Madrid, Jul 3 (EFE).- Human activity generates more than 220 million tons of plastic waste worldwide, of which less than 10 percent is recycled, a figure stagnant for a decade, according to environmental organizations on Thursday, coinciding with the International Plastic Bag Free Day.
This day, commemorated on Jul. 3 every year, seeks to raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastic bags, and promote changes in consumption habits.
Plastic bags, in use since the 1950s and popularized in the 1970s, are classified according to their thickness in three types: Very light (less than 15 microns), used for fresh or bulk products; light (less than 50 microns) and thick (more than 50 microns), reusable and with a cost higher than light.
Despite other materials also being used for this purpose in recent years, plastics remain in high demand.
According to data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in 2024 more than 220 million tons of plastic waste were generated, of which about 70 million were inadequately managed, ending up in rivers, seas, and seas. soils and even in the atmosphere.
This uncontrolled flow of plastic waste affects biodiversity, exacerbates the climate crisis and puts human health at risk and, despite technological advances, less than 10 percent of plastic is actually recycled, according to an analysis of the DoGood People platform, specialized in corporate sustainability.
Political inaction and complacency with the plastic industry have aggravated a global pollution problem that requires root solutions and much tighter regulation, according to the nonprofit Greenpeace. EFE
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